Postbiotics

Postbiotic: Product made by intestinal bacteria that affects a range of physiological processes.

Courtesy of CSIRO.

Dietary fiber can be broken down and fermented in the colon by bacteria into a number of products, which we call postbiotics. Postbiotics include acetate, butyrate, and propionate, which fall under the category of short-chain fatty acids. The production of short-chain fatty acids is determined by several factors, including the numbers and types of bacteria present in the gut and the specific source of fiber (3,7).

Scientific research has focused mainly on butyrate, which is an important energy source for the cells that line the gut. The major microbial groups that produce butyrate are Clostridia, Eubacteria, and Roseburia (8). Notably, researchers have found the number and variety of butyrate-producing bacteria to be significantly reduced in people with a variety of disorders (9,10).

The effects of short-chain fatty acids extend beyond the gastrointestinal tract. Propionate and acetate are carried in the bloodstream to a variety of different organs where they are used for important metabolic processes (11,12).

Short-chain fatty acidsare among the most important products of the gut microbiota. They affect a range of physiological processes including energy utilization, communication between human and microbial cells, and control of acid levels in the colon. These effects have consequences on the composition of the gut microbiome and general colon health.

Most of the beneficial activities of bacteria are associated to their metabolites (postbiotics). The great thing about postbiotics is that you get all the benefits without the bacteria!

The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Statements made on this web site should not be construed as dispensing medical advice nor making claims regarding the cure of disease. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.